Can someone else drop or place my ball for me?

Only if you use an assistive mobility device like a wheelchair, cane, or crutch. Rule 25.4a lets you give a general authorization to anyone — aide, playing partner, whoever — to drop, place, or replace your ball without limitation. If you don't use a mobility device, you or your caddie have to do it yourself.

When you can let someone else do it

If you use an assistive mobility device — wheelchair, other wheeled device, cane, or crutch — the rules change for you. You can give a blanket okay to any person to drop, place, or replace your ball anywhere on the course. No need to ask each time, no restriction on who it is. Your aide, another player, a spectator — anyone you authorize.

What counts as an assistive mobility device

The rule covers wheelchairs and other wheeled mobility devices, plus canes and crutches. If you rely on any of those to get around the course or make a stroke, you're covered. A regular push cart or motorized cart you ride in doesn't count — you have to actually use the device for mobility or stance.

If you don't use a mobility device

Standard rules apply. You drop, place, or replace your own ball. Your caddie can do it for you. A playing partner or anyone else cannot — not even with your permission. If they do, you've played from a wrong place and that's a penalty.

Exceptions that change the answer

• You do not use an assistive mobility device → Only you or your caddie may drop, place, or replace your ball. Anyone else doing it means you played from a wrong place.

Frequently asked questions

Can my playing partner drop my ball for me?

Only if you use an assistive mobility device and have given them general authorization. Otherwise, no — that's a wrong place penalty.

Does a push cart count as an assistive mobility device?

No. Only devices you depend on for mobility or stance — wheelchair, wheeled mobility device, cane, or crutch.

Do I have to authorize them each time?

No. Rule 25.4a lets you give a general, unlimited authorization once. They can then drop, place, or replace your ball whenever needed.

Can my aide also lift my ball on the green?

Yes. When your ball is on the putting green, your aide can lift it without asking you first — same as your caddie.

What if I only use a cane sometimes?

If you use a cane or crutch for any round, you're covered for that round. The rule applies whenever you're using the device.